TWO community schemes in South Ayrshire are to receive more than £1 million in funding thanks to a Scottish Government project.

Regeneration projects in disadvantaged and rural communities across Scotland will receive a share of almost £27 million funding, with the area's Maybole New Stables Lane Scheme receiving £959,807, and Pinwherry and Pinmore Community Development Trust receiving £197,633.

The Pinwherry and Pinmore group will use the funds for local primary school redevelopment, while the Maybole scheme will help community connectivity.

The investment will support schemes tackling child poverty and addressing issues like addiction and suicide prevention, while creating jobs and growing local economies.

It supports town centre regeneration by bringing derelict buildings back into use and creating new buildings for the community or for commercial purposes.

Community wealth minister Tom Arthur said: “These innovative, grassroots schemes have been developed within communities to address local needs.

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“Scottish Government support will help provide services like employment training, affordable childcare, mental health support and addiction counselling. Derelict landmarks will be redeveloped and new buildings created.

“By working in partnership with residents and local authorities, we are helping communities to support themselves and develop fair, green and prosperous economies which accelerate progress towards net zero emissions.

“The Scottish Government wants to create a fairer society by enabling more people to benefit directly from the wealth generated by local communities.

"That is why we are introducing Community Wealth Building legislation during this Parliamentary term - to fundamentally transform what our economy is for and how it operates.”

COSLA’s environment and economy spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said:“The announcement today shows the strength of the RCGF and the commitment by local government to regenerating communities.

"In this uncertain time of inflation, rising energy costs and increased demand on services, the fund demonstrates what can be achieved in our towns, cities, villages and islands when support is focused on social and economic renewal.

"From tackling the mental health crisis to food poverty, affordable childcare to climate change, this fund goes beyond what we traditionally think of as regeneration thanks to the ambition and innovative thinking of communities across Scotland."